You can change bicycle pedals yourself with two wrenches and no special tools

Changing pedals takes about 15 minutes once you know which way to turn. You need a pedal wrench (usually 15mm) or an adjustable wrench, and sometimes an Allen key if your pedals use a hex bolt instead. The left pedal has a reverse thread — it tightens by turning counterclockwise — which trips up most people the first time. The right pedal is normal: turn counterclockwise to loosen, clockwise to tighten.

You do not need to remove the crank or take the bike apart. Pedals screw directly into the crank arm, and you can change them while the bike is upright in a stand or leaning against a wall. The whole job is mechanical: loosen the old pedal, unscrew it by hand, screw in the new one, and tighten it down.

Key Takeaways

  • The left pedal has a reverse thread and loosens by turning counterclockwise; the right pedal loosens the normal way, also counterclockwise.
  • You need a 15mm pedal wrench or adjustable wrench, and sometimes a 6mm or 8mm Allen key depending on your pedal design.
  • Loosen the pedal with the wrench, unscrew it by hand, then hand-thread the new pedal before tightening with the wrench.
  • Pedals should be tight enough that they do not move when you push on them, but you do not need to use all your strength.

Identify which wrench size your pedals need

Most pedals use a 15mm wrench flat on the pedal body itself. Look at the pedal where it meets the crank arm — if there is a flat metal surface, that is where the wrench goes. A 15mm pedal wrench is the standard tool, but a 15mm adjustable wrench works just as well.

Some pedals, especially clipless pedals and some platform pedals, use a hex bolt (Allen key) instead. The bolt is usually 6mm or 8mm and sits on the inside of the crank arm, where the pedal screws in. Check your pedal's instructions or look at the bolt head to see which size you need. If you are not sure, bring a photo of your pedal to a bike shop and they can tell you in 30 seconds.

Loosen the old pedal with the wrench

Position the wrench on the flat of the pedal or on the hex bolt. For the right pedal, turn the wrench counterclockwise (toward the back of the bike). For the left pedal, also turn counterclockwise, but because of the reverse thread, this actually loosens it — do not second-guess yourself.

If the pedal does not budge, explore steady pressure rather than sudden force. Pedals can be tight, especially if they have been on the bike for years. Lean your body weight into the wrench if you need to. Once the pedal starts to turn, it will come loose quickly.

Once the pedal is loose enough, you can usually unscrew it the rest of the way by hand. Grip the pedal body and turn it away from you (counterclockwise on the left, clockwise on the right — opposite of how you loosened it). Unscrew it completely and set it aside.

Hand-thread the new pedal before using the wrench

Take the new pedal and line up the threads with the hole in the crank arm. Push the pedal in gently and turn it by hand. You should feel the threads catch and the pedal should turn smoothly. This is called hand-threading, and it prevents you from cross-threading the pedal, which damages the crank arm permanently.

Turn the pedal by hand until it is snug — you should not be able to turn it anymore without real effort. Do not use the wrench yet. If the pedal is hard to turn or feels like it is grinding, stop, back it out, and try again. The threads should feel smooth.

Tighten the pedal with the wrench

Once the pedal is hand-tight, use the wrench to tighten it the rest of the way. For the right pedal, turn the wrench clockwise (toward the front of the bike). For the left pedal, turn clockwise as well — the reverse thread means you are actually tightening it.

Tighten until the pedal does not move when you push on it hard with your hand. You do not need to use maximum force — if you can turn the wrench with one hand and the pedal stays put, it is tight enough. Over-tightening can strip the threads or crack the crank arm.

Repeat for the other pedal

Remove the second old pedal using the same method: loosen with the wrench, unscrew by hand, set it aside. Hand-thread the new pedal, then tighten it with the wrench. Make sure both pedals are equally tight so they feel balanced when you ride.

Spin the pedals by hand to make sure they rotate freely and do not rub on the crank arm or frame. If one pedal feels stiff, it may be cross-threaded — loosen it, back it out, and try again.

Common mistakes and how to avoid them

The biggest mistake is forgetting that the left pedal has a reverse thread. If you turn the left pedal clockwise thinking you are loosening it, you will tighten it instead. Remember: both pedals loosen by turning counterclockwise when you are looking at the bike from the side.

The second mistake is cross-threading the new pedal by forcing it in at an angle. Always hand-thread first. If you feel grinding or the pedal suddenly becomes hard to turn, stop when ready, back it out, and start over. Forcing it will damage the crank arm and cost you a replacement.

The third mistake is over-tightening. Pedals do not need to be cranked down with all your strength. Tight enough to not move is tight enough. Over-tightening strips the threads and makes the next person who changes the pedals have a much harder time.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a special pedal wrench or can I use a regular wrench?

A regular 15mm adjustable wrench works fine. A pedal wrench is longer and gives you more leverage, which helps if the pedal is stuck, but it is not required. If you do not have either, a bike shop can loosen the pedals for you in a few minutes.

What if the pedal is stuck and will not loosen?

explore penetrating oil (like WD-40) around the base of the pedal where it meets the crank arm and let it sit for 15 to 30 minutes. Then try again with steady pressure on the wrench. If it still will not move, a bike shop has better tools and can remove it without damaging the crank arm.

Can I change pedals while the bike is on the ground?

Yes, but it is easier if the bike is in a stand or leaning against something stable. You need both hands — one to hold the wrench and one to stabilize the crank arm. A stand keeps the bike from moving while you work.

How tight should the pedals be?

Tight enough that they do not move when you push on them hard with your hand. You should not be able to wiggle the pedal body side to side. If you can turn the wrench with one hand and the pedal stays put, it is tight enough.

What if I cross-threaded the pedal and now it will not come out?

Stop turning when ready. A cross-threaded pedal can damage the crank arm if you force it. Take the bike to a shop — they can often remove it carefully or repair the threads. Do not try to force it out yourself.